Decorative case

ABSTRACT

A case for a portable electronic device that includes a first section having a first plurality of apertures, a second section having a second plurality of apertures, and a plurality of decorative pieces that have a base. The second section is slideable in relation to the first section such that the second plurality of apertures overlaps the first plurality of apertures when the first section and the second section are in a first position or in a second position. The base of each decorative piece is sized and configured to pass through a first overlap region when the first and second sections are in a first position and the base is held in a locked engagement in a second overlap region when the first and second sections are in a second position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a case or cover for an item that hasdecorative accessories.

2. Description of the Related Art

With the proliferation of electronic devices in modern society, so toohas demand increased for individualization of these devices. One way toindividualize a device is to have a case or cover that includesdecorative items showing an owner's specific interests. These interestsmay include branded products, sports teams, etc.

A common way of decorating such a case or cover is to use adhesives toapply an appropriately shaped bead or similar object. However, the useof adhesives to apply decorative items has drawbacks. The adhesive maywear off after time particularly if a decorative item is removed andreplaced. Additionally, adhesives may not hold decorative items securelyenough. This can be an issue with a case or cover that is held on auser's body where body movements or incidental contact can cause thedecorative items to come loose. Similarly, systems consisting of apeg/post and a receptacle for applying decorative items may have thesame problems.

Therefore there is a need for a case or cover that allows for removaland replacement of decorative accessories based on a user's tastes whilesecurely attaching the decorative accessories.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a case for a portable electronic device thatcomprises a first section having a first plurality of apertures, asecond section having a second plurality of apertures, and a pluralityof decorative pieces. The second section is slideable in relation to thefirst section such that the second plurality of apertures overlaps thefirst plurality of apertures when the first section and the secondsection are in a first position or in a second position. Each decorativepiece has a base and the base of each decorative piece is sized andconfigured to pass through a first overlap region defined by an apertureof the first plurality of apertures and an aperture of the secondplurality of apertures when the first and second sections are in thefirst position.

Further, the base is sized and configured such that the base is held ina locked engagement in a second overlap region defined by an aperture ofthe first plurality of apertures and an aperture of the second pluralityof apertures when the first and second sections are in the secondposition.

In another preferred embodiment the plurality of decorative pieces eachhave a top portion and the top portion is sized and configured such thatthe top portion is not able to pass through either a first overlapregion or a second overlap region.

In yet another preferred embodiment the case further comprises anindicator attached to the first section or the second section thatindicates when the first and the second section are in the firstposition.

In still another preferred embodiment each of the second plurality ofapertures of the second section have a detent, and wherein the base ofeach of the decorative pieces is sized and configured to fit at leastpartially within the detent.

In a further preferred embodiment the case further comprises a slidegrip that enables the first and second sections to slide in relation toeach other when a force is applied to the slide grip.

In yet a further preferred embodiment the first section or the secondsection has a camera aperture.

In still a further preferred embodiment the case further comprises a rimaround a perimeter of the first section or the second section and therim is sized and configured to engage and hold the portable electronicdevice such that the portable electronic device is accessible to a user.

In another preferred embodiment the first section and the second sectionare lockable in the second position via a locking mechanism.

In yet another preferred embodiment the locking mechanism comprises apost on an inner surface of the first section and a tab on an innersurface of the second section, wherein the tab has at least oneindentation that fits at least partially around the post.

In a further preferred embodiment each of the second plurality ofapertures of the second section have a teardrop shape and each of thefirst plurality of apertures of the first section have a circular shape.

Further disclosed herein is a case that comprises a first section havinga first plurality of apertures, a second section having a secondplurality of apertures, a rim around a perimeter of the case, and aplurality of decorative pieces each having a base. The second section isslideable in relation to the first section such that the secondplurality of apertures overlap the first plurality of apertures when thefirst section and the second section are in a first position or in asecond position and the rim is sized and configured to engage and holdan object.

Further, the base of each decorative piece is sized and configured topass through a first overlap region defined by an aperture of the firstplurality of apertures and an aperture of the second plurality ofapertures when the first and second sections are in the first positionand the base being sized and configured such that the base is held in alocked engagement in a second overlap region defined by an aperture ofthe first plurality of apertures and an aperture of the second pluralityof apertures when the first and second sections are in the secondposition.

In another preferred embodiment the object is selected from the groupconsisting of a book, a diary, a portfolio, and a journal.

Additionally disclosed herein is a decorative accessory for a portableelectronic device case that includes an accessory having a base, a top,and a middle, the top having a larger perimeter than the base.

Further, the base of the accessory is sized and configured to fitthrough an aperture in a first section of a portable electronic devicecase and an aperture in a second section of the portable electronicdevice case when the first section and the second section of theportable electronic device case are in a first position and theaccessory is held in a locked engagement when the first section and thesecond section of the portable electronic device case are in a secondposition. In addition, the top has an outer surface and an indicia onthe outer surface.

In another preferred embodiment the top has a ridge that extends in adirection opposite a decorative face of the top that fits within anaperture in the first section of the electronic device case.

In still another preferred embodiment the base has a circular shape or arectangular shape. Other details, objects, and advantages of theinvention will become apparent as the following description of certainpresent preferred embodiments thereof proceeds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the accompanying drawings we have shown certain present preferredembodiments of our electronic device case in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a present preferred embodiment ofour decorative case in a first position.

FIG. 2 is another front perspective view of the embodiment of ourdecorative case shown in FIG. 1 in the first position.

FIG. 3 is a close up view of the embodiment of our decorative case asshown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of our decorativecase shown in FIG. 1 in a second position.

FIG. 5 is another front perspective view of the present preferredembodiment of our decorative case shown in FIG. 1 in the secondposition.

FIG. 6 is a close up view of the embodiment of our decorative case asshown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a close up and sectional view of the embodiment of ourdecorative case as shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment of ourdecorative case shown in FIG. 1. in the second position.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment of ourdecorative case shown in FIG. 1. in the second position with a pluralityof decorative accessories in place.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of our decorativecase shown in FIG. 1 in the first position engaged with an electronicdevice.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of our decorativecase shown in FIG. 1 in the second position engaged with an electronicdevice.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of another preferred embodiment ofour decorative case in a first position.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of another preferred embodiment ofour decorative case in a second position.

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of yet another preferred embodimentof our decorative case in a first position.

FIG. 15 is a close up and sectional view of the embodiment of ourdecorative case as shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment of ourdecorative case shown in FIG. 14 in a second position.

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of a preferred embodiment of adecorative accessory of our decorative case.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the preferred embodiment of thedecorative accessory shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the decorativeaccessory shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a rear cross sectional view of another preferred embodimentof a decorative accessory of our decorative case.

FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of yet another preferred embodimentof a decorative accessory of our decorative case.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1-13, a decorative case 1 comprises a first section 3that has a first plurality of apertures 5 and a second section 11 thathas a second plurality of apertures 13, and a plurality of decorativepieces or accessories 15. As shown in FIGS. 1-13, the first plurality ofapertures 5 have a diamond shape and the second plurality of apertureshave a tiered diamond shape although other corresponding shapes andconfigurations can also be used. These aperture shapes allow fororientation control of decorative pieces to the first section andpassively communicates about orientation choice. The second section 11is slideable in relation to the first section 3 such that the secondplurality of apertures 13 overlap the first plurality of apertures 5when the first section 3 and the second section 11 are in a firstposition shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 10, 12 or in a second position shown inFIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13.

Each of the first plurality of apertures 5 of the first section 3 andthe second plurality of apertures 13 of the second section 11 have ashape to allow for insertion of a base 17 of a decorative piece 15through the apertures 5, 13. In addition, each of the decorative pieces15 also has a top portion 23 that is sized and configured such that thetop portion 23 is not able to pass through either the first overlapregion 19 or the second overlap region 21. In FIGS. 2 and 12, onedecorative piece 15 is removed from the case 1 to better illustrate theoverlap region 19 and the apertures 5, 13.

Additionally, each decorative piece 15 has a base 17 and the base 17 ofeach decorative piece 15 is sized and configured to pass through a firstoverlap region 19. The first overlap region 19 is defined by an aperture5 of the first plurality of apertures 5 and an aperture 13 of the secondplurality of apertures 13 when the first 3 and second 11 sections are inthe first position shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 10, 12. The base 17 is alsosized and configured such that the base 17 is held in a lockedengagement in a second overlap region 21 defined by an aperture 5 of thefirst plurality of apertures 5 and an aperture 13 of the secondplurality of apertures 13 when the first 3 and second 11 sections are inthe second position shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13. Based onthe locked engagement, the base 17 is nested within the apertures 5, 13and cannot be easily removed unless the first section and second sectionare placed in the first position. Furthermore, the first overlap region19 is larger than the second overlap region 21.

Further shown in the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-13, the decorativecase 1 has a rim 7 around a perimeter of the first section 3. The rim 7is sized and configured to engage and hold a portable electronic device9 such that the portable electronic device 9 is accessible to a user.This could include accessibility to a front screen of a device or akeypad of a device. In other embodiments, the rim may be formed as partof the second section or as part of both the first and second section.If the rim is formed as both the first and second section the electronicdevice may be held or secured based on a cinching action of the firstand second sections.

The decorative case 1 may also have an indicator 25 that indicates whenthe first 3 and the second 11 section are in the first position 12 orthe second position 14. The indicator 25 may be formed as an integralpart of the second section 11 or the first section 3 and may function aspull and push mechanism for causing the second section 11 or the firstsection 3 to move from the first position to the second position or viceversa.

Further, the first section 3 and the second section 11 may be lockablein the second position via a locking mechanism 33. The locking mechanism33 may formed by at least one post 35 on the inner surface of the firstsection 3 and at least one tab 37 on the inner surface of the secondsection 11. The tab 37 may have at least one indentation 39 that fits atleast partially around the post 35 but still allows the tab 37 to slideforward and backward. The post and tab may also be formed on theopposite sections from what is described above. The locking mechanismmay also comprise a spring loaded button that fits through an apertureor similar system. The locking mechanism not only provides for lockedengagement of the first and second sections but it may also provide anindexing function that indicates when the first and second section arein the first position or the second position.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the decorative case 1 mayinclude a slide grip 29. The slide grip 29 may be attached to the secondsection 11 such that the slide grip enables a user to slide the sectionsto the first position, shown in FIG. 12, or the second position, shownin FIG. 13, when a force is applied to the slide grip 29. Further, theslide grip 29 may be attached to the second section 11 or the firstsection 3.

Also shown in the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-13, each of the secondplurality of apertures 13 of the second section 11 have a detent 27 suchthat the base 17 of each of the decorative pieces 15 may fit at leastpartially within the detent 27. The detent 27 allows for the base 17 ofa decorative piece 15 to more easily nest within the aperture 13 andprovides for secure engagement of the base 17 with the apertures 5, 13.Additionally, the first section 3 and/or the second section 11 may alsohave a camera aperture 31 for a camera of an electronic device.

Further, an indicia 40 may appear on a decorative face 58 of the topportion 23 of the decorative pieces 15 as shown in FIG. 9. The indiciamay be formed as part of the top portion 23 or it may be printed,painted, adhered, or affixed to the top portion in any known way. Theindicia may present a user's affinity for a particular sports team, aproduct brand, a humorous icon, or any other visual appearance that auser desires. The decorative face 58 of the top portion 23 may also beformed in particularly desired shapes such as gems, sports balls, etc.to suit a particular consumer.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 7, 12, 14, 15, and 18-22 each decorative piece 15may also have a ridge 53 that extends in a direction opposite that ofthe decorative face 58 and that fits within an aperture 5 in the firstsection 3 of the electronic device case. The ridge 53 allows thedecorative piece 15 to fit snugly within the decorative case 1 andprevents inadvertent movement of the decorative piece 15. The ridge 53can also provide a tactile response that allows a user to know that thedecorative piece 15 is completely inserted within an aperture. The ridge53 may be shaped accordingly to fit the apertures 5 of the first section3.

Additionally, the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-18 displaysanother configuration of apertures 5, 13 and decorative pieces 15. Asshown in FIGS. 14-18, the decorative case 4 has a first plurality ofapertures 5 that have a circular shape; while a second plurality ofapertures 13 have a teardrop shape including a detent 27. The base 17 ofthe decorative piece 15 is sized and configured to fit through theapertures 5, 13 and has a circular shape. Furthermore, the base 17 isheld in a locked engagement in a second overlap region 21 defined by anaperture 5 of the first plurality of apertures 5 and an aperture 13 ofthe second plurality of apertures 13 when the first 3 and second 11sections are in the second position as shown in FIG. 16. The detent 27allows the base 17 to nest within the apertures 5, 13 when the first andsecond sections are in the second position.

While the apertures 5, 13 and base 17 of the decorative piece 15 havebeen described by certain shapes and configurations, one of ordinaryskill in the art would know that the apertures 5, 13 of the first andsecond sections and a decorative piece 15 and an associated base 17 maybe formed in a variety of shapes and configurations such as but notlimited to a square, diamond, polygon, tiered polygon, ellipse, orparabola, in order to provide for insertion and engagement of thedecorative pieces 15 in the case.

Examples of the different shapes and configurations that the base of thedecorative piece may have are demonstrated in the embodiments shown inFIGS. 14-18, where the base 17 has a circular shape and in FIGS. 1-13and 18-20 where the base 17 is shown as having a rectangular or diamondshape. Other examples are shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 21 and 22.In these embodiments the base may have a rectangular shape with a lip 55at the corners of the rectangle to provide engagement with acorresponding aperture. The lip is sized and configured to nest the baseabout the edge or edges of a specific shape of aperture. In addition,FIG. 21 shows a decorative piece 15 with a ridge 53 have a rectangularshape and FIG. 22 shows a decorative piece 15 that has a circular shape.The ridge 53 can be sized and configured to fit a specific apertureshape as described above.

In another embodiment, a case may have a first section that has a rimaround a perimeter of the first section such that the rim is sized andconfigured to engage and hold an object such as a book, a diary, aportfolio, a journal, or similar object. Further, one of ordinary skillwould understand that the case may be made as a cover for a number ofdifferent objects having various shapes and sizes.

While we have shown and described certain present preferred embodimentsof our electronic device case and have illustrated certain presentpreferred methods of making and using the same, it is to be distinctlyunderstood that the invention is not limited thereto but may beotherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of thefollowing claims.

We claim:
 1. A case for a portable electronic device comprising: a firstsection having a first plurality of apertures; a second section having asecond plurality of apertures, the second section being slideable inrelation to the first section such that the second plurality ofapertures overlaps the first plurality of apertures when the firstsection and the second section are in a first position or in a secondposition; a plurality of decorative pieces, each decorative piece havinga base; and wherein the base of each decorative piece being sized andconfigured to pass through a first overlap region defined by an apertureof the first plurality of apertures and an aperture of the secondplurality of apertures when the first and second sections are in thefirst position; and wherein the base being sized and configured suchthat the base is held in a locked engagement in a second overlap regiondefined by an aperture of the first plurality of apertures and anaperture of the second plurality of apertures when the first and secondsections are in the second position.
 2. The case of claim 1 wherein theplurality of decorative pieces each having a top portion, and the topportion being sized and configured such that the top portion is not ableto pass through either the first overlap region or the second overlapregion.
 3. The case of claim 1 further comprising an indicator attachedto the first section or the second section that indicates when the firstand the second section are in the first position.
 4. The case of claim 1wherein each of the second plurality of apertures of the second sectionhave a detent, and wherein the base of each of the decorative pieces issized and configured to fit at least partially within the detent.
 5. Thecase of claim 1 further comprising a slide grip attached to the firstsection or the second section that enables the first and second sectionsto be slid in relation to each other when a force is applied to theslide grip.
 6. The case of claim 1 wherein the first section or thesecond section has a camera aperture.
 7. The case of claim 1 furthercomprising a rim around a perimeter of the first section or the secondsection, the rim being sized and configured to engage and hold theportable electronic device such that the portable electronic device isaccessible to a user.
 8. The case of claim 1 wherein the first sectionand the second section are lockable in the first position or the secondposition via a locking mechanism.
 9. The case of claim 8 wherein thelocking mechanism comprises a post on an inner surface of the firstsection and a tab on an inner surface of the second section, wherein thetab has at least one indentation that fits at least partially around thepost.
 10. A case for a portable electronic device comprising: a firstsection having a first plurality of apertures; a second section having asecond plurality of apertures; and wherein the second section isslideable in relation to the first section, the first section and thesecond section having an first position and a second position; andwherein the first plurality of apertures overlap with the secondplurality of apertures; and wherein a first overlap region is defined byan aperture of the first plurality of apertures and an aperture of thesecond plurality of apertures when the first and second sections are inthe first position; and wherein a second overlap region is defined by anaperture of the first plurality of apertures and an aperture of thesecond plurality of apertures when the first and second sections are inthe second position; and wherein the first overlap region is larger thanthe second overlap region.
 11. The case of claim 10 wherein the firstsection and the second section have a locking mechanism that is able tolock the first section and the second section in the first position orthe second position.
 12. The case of claim 11 wherein the lockingmechanism comprises a post on an inner surface of the first section anda tab on an inner surface of the second section, wherein the tab has atleast one indentation that fits at least partially around the post. 13.The case of claim 10 further comprising an indicator attached to thefirst section or the second section that indicates when the firstsection and the second section are in the first position.
 14. The caseof claim 10 wherein each of the second plurality of apertures of thesecond section have a teardrop shape and each of the first plurality ofapertures of the first section have a circular shape.
 15. The case ofclaim 10 further comprising a slide grip attached to the first sectionor the second section that enables the first and second sections to beslid in relation to each other when a force is applied to the slidegrip.
 16. The case of claim 10 wherein the first section or the secondsection has a camera aperture.
 17. The case of claim 10 furthercomprising a rim around a perimeter of the first section or the secondsection, the rim being sized and configured to engage and hold aportable electronic device such that the portable electronic device isaccessible to a user.
 18. A decorative accessory for a portableelectronic device case comprising: an accessory having a base and a top,the top having a larger perimeter than the base; and wherein the base ofthe accessory is sized and configured to fit through an aperture in afirst section of a portable electronic device case and an aperture in asecond section of the portable electronic device case when the firstsection and the second section of the portable electronic device caseare in a first position; and wherein the accessory is held in a lockedengagement when the first section and the second section of the portableelectronic device case are in a second position; and wherein the top hasa decorative face.
 19. The decorative accessory of claim 18 wherein thedecorative face of the top has an indicia.
 20. The decorative accessoryof claim 18 wherein the top has a ridge that that extends in a directionopposite a decorative face of the top and the ridge fits within anaperture of the first section of the electronic device case.
 21. Thedecorative accessory of claim 18 wherein the base has a circular shape,a rectangular shape, or a diamond shape.
 22. A case comprising: a firstsection having a first plurality of apertures; a second section having asecond plurality of apertures, the second section being slideable inrelation to the first section such that the second plurality ofapertures overlaps the first plurality of apertures when the firstsection and the second section are in a first position or in a secondposition; a rim around a perimeter of the case, the rim being sized andconfigured to engage and hold an object; and a plurality of decorativepieces, each decorative piece having a base; and wherein the base ofeach decorative piece being sized and configured to pass through a firstoverlap region defined by an aperture of the first plurality ofapertures and an aperture of the second plurality of apertures when thefirst and second sections are in the first position; and wherein thebase being sized and configured such that the base is held in a lockedengagement in a second overlap region defined by an aperture of thefirst plurality of apertures and an aperture of the second plurality ofapertures when the first and second sections are in the second position.23. The decorative case of claim 21 wherein the object is selected fromthe group consisting of a book, a diary, a portfolio, and a journal.